Transport & Travel information

ARRIVAL IN CHANIA

The city of Chania is the nearest port of entry to Kolymbari on Crete.

Large Map: Area

Large Map: Crete

By air

Chania is the closest airport to Kolymbari (39 km). Located in Akrotiri (14 km east of the town), it offers several daily flights from/to Athens as well as some charter flights from all over Europe. Athens is served by the new "Eleftherios Venizelos" International Airport. All flights - both domestic and international - arrive and depart from this airport, serving Greece's malor carriers Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines, as well as all other airlines.

Alternatively, see the section below on "Arrival in Heraklion". Some air carriers provide direct flights to Heraklion without connecting through Athens, which may provide a more direct flight to Crete.

By sea

Crete has two of the most important ports of the East Mediterranean Sea: Heraklion and Chania (Souda). Both have daily sea connections with the port of Piraeus (10 km from Athens centre) via ferryboats (6-11 hours, depending on the ferry). Links to Greek Island Ferry Schedule can be found here (http://www.greekislands.gr/ & http://www.greekferries.gr/).

A guide to getting around in Athens, includes instructions on getting to the Ferry Boats. The bay of Souda serves as the port of Chania. Taxis from the port of Souda to the Academy cost about the same as from the airport (approximately 24-30 €).

Transportation from Chania to Kolymbari

Most overseas visitors will arrive at the Chania International Airport, which is located approximately 15 km from the city of Chania and 39 km from Kolymbari. A taxi to the Orthodox Academy in Kolymbari from the Chania Airport, costs approximately 24-30 €.

Arrival in Heraklion

If you fly to the capital of Crete, Heraklion there is a bus connection (departure every hour) between Heraklion and Chania. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. You may then take either the bus or a taxi to reach Kolymbari. You can also rent a car and drive. A taxi from Heraklion airport to the conference centre costs about 90 €.

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING TO GREECE

For E. U. Citizens

Travel documents: A passport is not required for E.U. citizens traveling from or to Schengen countries. (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal).

Currency: No limit.

Customs Formalities: None.

Forbidden substances: Drugs, explosives etc. Travelers in possession of codeine-based medication are subject to severe penalties, unless they declare their possession.

Health: Vaccines are not required for E.U. citizens.

For Non E.U. Citizens

Normally, for all non E.U. citizens wanting to travel to Greece, a valid passport is required. Visa formalities are required for visitors from certain countries.

Please check VISA requirements that may apply to you with your travel agent before traveling!

If you have any questions, regarding currency, custom formalities etc., all visitors, are advised to contact the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate (relevant list in the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website). See also the G.N.T.O. web site for more information.

FACTS FOR THE TRAVELER

Electricity supply: 220v, 50 Hz AC

Time: Greek time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, an hour ahead of Central European Time and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time

Weights & measures: Metric

Currency: Since January 1st, 2002, official Greek currency is the EURO (€). (currency converter)